Talking about race and racism in class is one of the most important but most difficult topics to appropriately address. In her workshop with ETSU last week, Dr. Cyndi Kernahan shared a number of useful approaches and techniques that can help.
Frame race as an idea rather than a character trait. "If we teach students to see racism as an idea that's expressed through behaviors, institutions and cultures rather than an immutable character trait, we free them to see things more accurately and with more openness to change."
Create an inclusive class community where all students can clearly see how they belong in the class, in college, and in their future careers. Values affirmations are one direct means of addressing inclusivity. Diversifying course readings to reflect traditionally underrepresented voices and perspectives can also help students see themselves as part of the scholarly conversation of your field.
